GUIDE TO CAREERS IN LEAD HAZARD CONTROL

Transcription

1 GUIDE TO CAREERS IN LEAD HAZARD CONTROL IN ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY What you need to know to prepare for a career in Lead Hazard Control COALITION TO PREVENT LEAD POISONING ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements 2 Need for lead hazard control workers 3 Definition of Terms 5 Types of Jobs in Lead Hazard Control 7 Lead Hazard Evaluation Jobs Lead Sampling Technician 8 Lead-Based Paint Inspector 10 Risk Assessor 12 Lead Hazard Reduction Jobs Specialized Cleaner 14 Lead Abatement Worker 16 Lead Abatement Supervisor/Contractor 18 Accredited Training and Certification Programs 20 Grants and Loans for Lead Hazard Control Training 23 Resources for Additional Information Local Resources 26 National Resources 31 How to Find Employment 32 Comparing Lead Evaluation Professionals 34 Career Paths in Lead Hazard Control 35

3 OUR THANKS TO XEROX CORPORATION FOR PROVIDING THE PRINTING OF GUIDE TO CAREERS IN LEAD HAZARD CONTROL IN ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY GUIDE TO CAREERS IN LEAD HAZARD CONTROL in Rochester and Monroe County 2005 The Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning The organizations and agencies listed in this guide provided their information to the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning (CPLP). The CPLP makes no claim as to the accuracy of the information or to the qualifications of or quality of service provided by the organizations or programs represented. A listing in this guide does not constitute an endorsement by the CPLP of the organization or program. This Guide was compiled and edited by Joan Seldin Rosenthal, representative to the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning from the League of Women Voters, Rochester Metropolitan Area. The following people have been extremely helpful in contributing their knowledge and expertise to the content of this guide: Moe Bickweat, LEW Corporation Larry Burnette, Rochester Fatherhood Resource Initiative Joseph Hill, Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning Andrew McLellan, Environmental Education Associates Sarita Rivera, Spanish translator Glenny Williams, Union of Families The Coalition is grateful for generous financial support from the Unitarian Church of Rochester and the City of Rochester to defray the costs of producing this guide. Thanks also to countless others who offered their thoughts and insights. 2

4 NEED FOR LEAD HAZARD CONTROL WORKERS Dust from lead-based paint in homes is poisoning children. They may develop permanent brain and nerve damage, do not do well in school and often have behavior problems. More and more landlords and property owners are seeking - or are being required - to remove lead paint hazards from their homes so that children will not be harmed. Because of the increased demand to remove lead hazards from homes, more jobs are being created to fill this need. 3

5 There are two main categories of jobs in lead hazard control: lead hazard evaluation and lead hazard reduction. Lead hazard evaluation involves testing and inspecting for the presence of lead. Lead hazard reduction involves work that removes or reduces the presence of lead. This resource guide describes: types of jobs that are available work that is performed working conditions hours and salary ranges education and training required certifications and licensing requirements, if needed places of employment entry level jobs and opportunities for advancement organizations that offer training and certifications grants or loans to help with financing your education how to find employment in this field resources for additional information This resource guide can help you make decisions about job opportunities in this field and how to get the necessary training and qualifications to find employment. 4

6 DEFINITION OF TERMS Certified - qualified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to perform certain activities. Clearance testing - performed at the end of a hazard control action, such as lead abatement, or following renovations to confirm freedom from hazardous leaded dust. The house must pass a Clearance Test before it may be reoccupied. Hazard reduction - the various actions taken to reduce or eliminate exposure to lead-based paint hazards, including interim controls, abatement or a combination of the two. HEPA filter - High Efficiency Particulate Air filter. HEPA filters are used on vacuum cleaners to remove dust particles from the air. They have a minimum particle collection efficiency of 99.97% - at 0.3 microns. Interim controls - temporary measures completed by qualified workers to control lead-based paint hazards, such as painting over deteriorated surfaces. Interim controls are not acceptable for friction surfaces (such as windows and doors). Follow-up monitoring is needed. Lead abatement - procedures designed to eliminate leadbased paint hazards (for at least 20 years). Examples include removal of lead-based paint and lead-dust hazards, enclosure or encapsulation of lead-based paint, replacement of fixtures painted with lead-based paint, and removal or covering of leadsoil hazards. Lead-based paint hazard - conditions (defined by federal law) that present harmful levels of lead, such as in dust or bare soil, or in deteriorated lead-based paint that is present in chewable surfaces, friction surfaces, or impact surfaces. 5

7 Lead-safe worker - a person who has completed a HUD or NYS recognized Lead-Safe Work Practices (LSWP) course that trains how to conduct renovation/remodeling/rehabilitation/ operations/maintenance activities in a lead-safe manner. LSWP training (eight hour course) focuses on minimizing dust generation and dust transport to occupied areas. Lead-safe workers meet the requirements to conduct interim controls work (under the HUD Lead-Safe Housing Rule, 24 CFR Part 35), but are not certified to conduct lead hazard evaluation or lead abatement activities. People who take the LSWP course usually have other jobs and need the LSWP training if they want to work in an environment that has lead hazards. Visual assessment - A visual inspection to determine if a dwelling is clear of conditions that can cause exposure to lead, such as obvious dust, paint chips, painted debris, and deteriorated paint. XRF - an electronic instrument used by lead paint inspectors to test for lead in paint. 6

8 TYPES OF JOBS IN LEAD HAZARD CONTROL Lead Hazard Evaluation Lead Sampling Technician also known as Dust Wipe Technician or Clearance Technician Lead-Based Paint Inspector Risk Assessor Lead Hazard Reduction Specialized Cleaner Lead Abatement Worker Lead Abatement Contractor/Supervisor 7

9 LEAD SAMPLING TECHNICIAN (Also: Dust Wipe Technician, Clearance Technician) Job Description A Lead Sampling Technician will screen for evidence of lead contamination. The Technician will perform a visual assessment for dust, paint chips or deteriorated paint and will measure the amount of leaded dust on floors and window troughs with dust wipes. Dust wipe sampling is initially used to determine if hazardous levels of lead exist; it is also used at the end of hazard control work to determine if the home may be safely reoccupied (clearance testing). A Lead Sampling Technician works under the supervision of an EPA Certified Risk Assessor. Work Performed Dust samples on floors and window troughs are collected by using pre-moistened towelettes (dust wipes). Samples are sent to an accredited laboratory. Then a report is written describing the results (the location of the samples taken and if the sample passed or failed). Working Condition Conditions vary but may include climbing stairs, bending, significant time standing, and walking. Areas tested are often located in urban environments. Testing environments vary from single-family dwellings to apartment complexes, educational facilities, industrial or commercial settings. Hours and Earnings May range from $10-$15 per hour. Education and Training A person must take a 6-hour training course based on curriculum developed by HUD and/or the EPA. A high school diploma is preferred. 8

10 Certification, Licensing No certification or license is required in New York State. Where Employed Lead Sampling Technicians may be employed by private companies, not-for-profit or government agencies. They work under the supervision of an EPA Certified Risk Assessor. Entry Methods Training may be provided to company employees who need to perform these duties as part of their job. Lead Sampling Technicians may also be hired to provide services for specific projects. Advancement Opportunities Lead-Based Paint Inspector or Risk Assessor 9

11 LEAD-BASED PAINT INSPECTOR Job Description A Lead-based Paint Inspector is an EPA certified individual who conducts a surface-by-surface investigation to determine the presence of lead-based paint. He or she determines the existence, level of deterioration and location of lead-based paint in a residential, educational, municipal, industrial or commercial building or structure. The Inspector produces a written report explaining the results of the investigation. EPA established work practice standards must be followed when doing a Lead-based Paint Inspection. Work Performed Surveying a housing unit for lead-based paint is typically performed using an X-Ray Fluorescence analyzer, called an XRF. Inspectors may take paint chips to determine the presence of lead-based paint. A final inspection report identifies all painted, varnished or shellacked surfaces with lead-based paint and the current condition of the surface. The report does not provide information about the presence of lead contaminated dust or soil, the identification or source of lead hazards or options for controlling any presumed hazards found. An Inspector can, however, use dust wipes in Federally Subsidized housing for Clearance Testing, but can only indicate if the sample passes or fails. Working Conditions Conditions vary but may include climbing ladders, bending, significant time standing and walking. Areas tested are often located in urban environments. Testing environments include single-family dwellings, apartment complexes, educational facilities, industrial or commercial settings. The XRF gun used by the Inspector is a testing device that uses a radiation source. The inspector wears a radiation-monitoring device while performing his or her duties. 10

12 Hours and Earnings Vary according to the scope of work performed. May range from 25K - 35K per year. Education and Training A person must take 24 hours of training given by an EPA certified training facility and trainer. Prerequisite: Two years of post-secondary education or one year of experience in environmental or real estate inspections. Certification, Licensing Qualification for Certification: 1. Pass the EPA-accredited inspector course. 2. Pass the EPA inspector certification exam within six months of course completion. Where Employed A Lead-based Paint Inspector may be employed by not-forprofit community-based organizations, housing authorities, governmental agencies, environmental consulting firms and laboratories. They may also be self-employed. A Lead-based Paint Inspector can conduct lead evaluation activities only if employed by an EPA certified firm. If the firm uses an XRF in New York State, the firm must be licensed with New York State. Entry Methods Opportunities are available at EPA Certified organizations. Advancement Opportunities Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessor 11

13 RISK ASSESSOR Job Description A Risk Assessor performs tests to identify lead hazards from deteriorated paint, dust, and bare soil, and identifies options to control the lead hazards. Risk assessments always include dust testing and may include analyzing for lead in soil, deteriorated paint and other coatings. EPA work standards must be followed when doing a Lead-based Paint Risk Assessment. Work Performed To identify lead-based paint hazards, a Risk Assessor will interview the inhabitants, compile and evaluate historical documentation on the construction and maintenance of the structure and the environment, conduct a visual examination of the dwelling for signs of paint deterioration and its cause, analyze deteriorated paint to determine if it is lead-based (by sending paint chips to a laboratory for analysis or using an XRF analyzer on-site), and collect dust, soil, water and air samples for laboratory analysis. A Risk Assessment Report identifies lead-based paint hazards found, determines the cause and provides options for controlling the hazards. A Risk Assessor may also perform Lead Hazard Screening, Inspections, and conduct Clearance Testing. Working Conditions Conditions vary but may include climbing ladders, bending, significant time standing & walking. Areas tested are often located in urban environments. Testing environments include single-family dwellings, apartment complexes, educational facilities, industrial or commercial settings. An XRF gun is a testing device that uses a radiation source; the inspector wears a radiation-monitor when using the device. Hours and Earnings Vary according to the scope of work performed. May range from $30,000 - $40,000 per year. 12

14 Education and Training A Risk Assessor must take 16 hours of EPA certified training. Prerequisite: 1. Certification as a lead-based paint inspector, AND 2. Bachelor degree and 1 year experience in related field, OR 3. Associate degree and 2 years experience in related field; OR 4. Certification as an industrial hygienist, engineer, registered architect and/or certification in a related engineering/health/ environmental field, OR 5. High school diploma (or equivalent), and at least 3 years experience in a related field. Certification, Licensing Qualification for Certification: 1. Pass an accredited Lead Paint Inspector course (Individuals who are not certified lead paint inspectors can take the lead paint inspector and risk assessor courses consecutively). 2. Pass the EPA-accredited Risk Assessor course. 3. Pass the EPA Risk Assessor certification exam within six months of course completion. 4. Risk Assessor must take a one day refresher course every three years. Where Employed Risk Assessors may be employed by community development organizations, public housing authorities, governmental agencies, or environmental firms. They may also be self-employed. A Risk Assessor can conduct lead evaluation activities only if employed by an EPA Certified Firm. Entry Methods Promotion from Lead-Based Paint Inspector Advancement Opportunities Managing lead hazard control projects Project Designer 13

15 SPECIALIZED CLEANER Job Description After lead-based paint has been removed from windows, walls, ceilings and floors in homes and buildings, Specialized Cleaners are needed to safely dispose of the debris and thoroughly clean the building so it can be certified as habitable. Generally, lead abatement workers also perform this function on an ongoing basis throughout the job and to pass clearance at the end of the job. Specialized Cleaners play an important part in lead hazard control work. Work Performed Lead hazard control activities can produce dangerous levels of leaded dust. Unless this dust is properly removed, a residential property can be more hazardous after the work is completed than it was originally. To clean a dwelling unit properly, a Specialized Cleaner wears protective clothing, uses a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA exhaust filter, washes and rinses all surfaces with suitable cleaning agents. Working Conditions Specialized Cleaners may work alone or with others, depending upon the scope of the job. Depending upon the level of exposure to lead hazards, Specialized Cleaners may need to wear protective personal equipment including respirators, TyvekÓ suits, gloves, and boots. They work under the direction of a lead abatement supervisor. Hours and Earnings Specialized cleaners usually work during the day with occasional night or weekend hours depending upon the job. Wages may range from $ $12.00 per hour, depending upon skill level and experience. 14

16 Education and Training No formal education is required, although a high school degree is preferred. Completion of a Lead Safe Work Practices course is required. Some employers offer on-the-job training. Some employers may require a person to become an EPA Certified Lead Abatement Worker. Certifications and Licenses No certifications or licenses required Where Employed Specialized Cleaners work for private companies or not-forprofit or governmental agencies that remove lead-based paint from homes. Entry Methods Specialized Cleaners can begin working after receiving the appropriate training. Advancement Opportunities After some experience, a specialized cleaner can take additional training to do lead hazard evaluation and control work. 15

17 LEAD ABATEMENT WORKER Job Description A lead abatement worker is a certified individual who carries out any set of measures designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards in a residential dwelling or child-occupied facility. A lead abatement worker can also perform interim control work on lead hazards. Work Performed Lead abatement includes the removal of lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust, the permanent enclosure or encapsulation of lead-based paint, the replacement of lead-painted surfaces or fixtures, and the removal or covering of lead-contaminated soil. Other duties include all preparation, cleanup, and disposal of construction debris. Working Conditions Various working conditions exist based on the construction/ renovation site or maintenance operations in single family dwellings, apartment complexes, federally subsidized housing units, etc. Hours and Earnings $12- $18 per hour Education and Training A Lead Abatement Worker must receive 24 hours of EPA certified training. Prerequisite: High School graduation, GED, or one-year experience in the building trades. Certification, Licensing A Lead Abatement Worker must pass an examination to receive EPA certification. All lead certifications must be renewed every three years under EPA requirements. 16

18 Where Employed Lead Abatement Workers may be employed by a painter or contractor, apartment complex, residential management firm, government or not-for-profit agency. They must work under the supervision of a Lead Abatement Supervisor. Entry Methods This is an entry level position for workers in the abatement industry. Advancement Opportunities Lead Abatement Supervisor 17

19 LEAD ABATEMENT SUPERVISOR/ CONTRACTOR Job Description A Lead Abatement Supervisor or Contractor is responsible for the supervision and outcome of a lead abatement project. The Supervisor must ensure that all EPA, HUD and OSHA regulations are followed. Work Performed Abatement must be performed according to EPA & OSHA established work practice standards and the following: A certified supervisor/contractor is required for each abatement project and must be on-site during all worksite preparation, during post-abatement cleanup of work areas and be available by telephone, pager or answering service. The supervisor/contractor must also be present at the work site within two hours notice or be onsite at all times, depending upon the contract. The supervisor must ensure that all abatement activities are conducted according to the requirements of all federal, state or local requirements. EPA and NYS require notification of the beginning of leadbased paint abatement activities in a residential dwelling or child-occupied facility. A written occupant protection plan must be prepared for all abatement projects. Contaminated soil must be either removed and replaced or permanently covered. Specific post-abatement procedures (including a visual inspection and clearance dust sampling) must be done by a certified lead-based paint risk assessor. Working Conditions Various construction site conditions exist. Must be medically fit enough to wear a respirator. 18

20 Hours and Earnings $30,000 - $50,000 per year Education and Training A lead abatement supervisor must receive 32 hours of EPA Certified training. Prerequisite: One year of experience as a certified lead-based paint abatement worker, or two years of experience in a related field (such as lead, asbestos, or environmental remediation work) or the building trades. Certification, Licensing Qualification for Certification: 1. Pass the EPA-accredited abatement supervisor course. 2. Pass the EPA abatement supervisor certification exam within six months of course completion. 3. Meet one of the following requirements: One year of experience as a certified lead-based paint abatement worker, OR Two years of experience in a related field. Where Employed Usually employed by an EPA Certified abatement contractor. May also be employed by a community development organization or government entity to ensure that private contractors conform to regulatory standards. Entry Methods Experience in lead abatement Advancement Opportunities EPA Certified Project Manager 19

21 ORGANIZATIONS THAT OFFER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION Cornell University School of Industrial Labor Relations 16 West Main Street Rochester NY (585) Main Street Buffalo New York (716) Courses offered: Lead Safe Work Practices Abatement Worker Inspector Risk Assessor Supervisor Various refresher courses Courses are open to the public and are paid for by the individual taking the course. An exception is free training in lead safe work practices for landlords referred by the Monroe County Department of Health. This program has been accredited and approved in New York State by the Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2. 20

22 Environmental Education Associates 1250 Scottsville Road Suite 1 Rochester NY (585) Main Street Buffalo NY (716) EEA is an accredited EPA lead certification training provider Courses offered: Lead Abatement Worker Lead Inspector Lead Risk Assessor Wipe Sampling Technician Lead Abatement Supervisor/Contractor Lead-Based Paint Training for Remodelers and Renovators (lead safe work practices) Lead-Based Paint Maintenance (lead safe work practices) Lead-Based Train-the-Trainer Lead Recertification OSHA Lead Awareness The Housing Council 183 East Main Street Suite 1100 Rochester, NY (585) The Housing Council offers various courses in lead safe work practices to the general public and to landlords, tenants, homeowners, contractors and their employees. For more information call The Housing Council. 21

23 LEW Corporation 7 Sibleyville Lane Honeoye Falls, NY Contact: Moe Bickweat (585) mbickweat@lewcorp.com (LEW Corporation Headquarters) LEW Corporation is a full-service environmental company providing lead remediation services and management of other environmental hazards. LEW Corporation will pay for training for individuals who are hired by the company. Courses offered: Lead-Based Paint Inspector Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessor Lead-Based Paint Abatement Supervisor Lead-Based Paint Abatement Worker Lead Dust Wipe Technician Lead Safe Work Practices Safety and Health Training Center, Inc Main Street, Suite 118 Buffalo NY (716) The Training Center is an EPA Certified lead training provider. Courses offered: Lead Abatement Worker Lead Abatement Supervisor 22

24 GRANTS AND LOANS FOR LEAD HAZARD CONTROL TRAINING Government and not-for-profit agencies that help people access funding to train lead hazard control workers: ABC (Action for a Better Community) 550 East Main Street Rochester, NY (585) Action for a Better Community is the community action agency for Monroe and Ontario counties. ABC is committed to improving the conditions in which poor people live; this includes the reduction of lead hazards. The Employment Solutions Plus program, located at 49 Stone Street, offers assistance to individuals as they transition from welfare to work including vocational/occupational training and GED. The program provides access to job readiness training, access to training funding and connection to jobs. Call , ext for more information. CONEA (Coalition of North East Associations) 471 Hudson Avenue Rochester NY (585) Coalition of North East Associations (CONEA) is committed to issues of housing, crime prevention, community and economic development, and youth leadership development of the citizens of the Upper Falls Community in Rochester. 23

25 CONEA assists individuals seeking funding for training in all aspects of lead safety and prevention. Any person who lives in the Upper Falls neighborhood may have the opportunity to have their training paid by CONEA under the Special Material Grants Program or the Residential Assistance Grants Program. RochesterWorks! 255 North Goodman Street Rochester NY, (585) Waring Road Rochester NY, (585) Buffalo Road Gates NY, (585) RochesterWorks!, part of the Workforce New York network, is dedicated to helping Monroe County develop a strong workforce. RochesterWorks! helps job seekers find jobs, move to higher paying jobs or get training to improve skills. Also, RochesterWorks! assists business with recruitment, assessment, placement and training, and connects them to all federally funded employment and training programs in Monroe County. In partnership with the Department of Labor, RochesterWorks! offers its services at three convenient locations. Rochester Fatherhood Resource Initiative 775 South Plymouth Avenue Rochester NY (585) RFRI is an organization that seeks to improve the community and family life by enabling fathers. Through its BEEAMS 24

26 (Building Economic Empowerment, Achieving, Maintaining Stability) project, RFRI trains and hires city residents for lead evaluation, interim controls and abatement. RFRI will help homeowners and landlords access funds for lead hazard control work. VESID (Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities) 109 South Union Rochester NY (585) The NYS Office of VESID is part of the State Education Department. VESID assists people with disabilities, who meet their eligibility requirements, to find and keep suitable employment. Services include counseling, training and placement assistance, some of which are based on economic need. 25

27 FOR INFORMATION ON COMMUNITY EFFORTS TO END LEAD POISONING Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning 75 College Avenue Rochester, NY (585) The Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning is a coalition of individuals and organizations that share a commitment to ending childhood lead poisoning in Monroe County. The Coalition provides education, information, and referral services. LOCAL RESOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABC (Action for a Better Community) 550 East Main Street Rochester, NY (585) Action for a Better Community is the community action agency for Monroe and Ontario counties. ABC is committed to improving the conditions in which poor people live; this includes the reduction of lead hazards. The Community Building in Action division, located at 460 State Street, provides technical assistance and training within selected neighborhoods to foster neighborhood capacity building. 26

28 The GLO (Get the Lead Out) program assists families impacted by lead hazards. Call for information. The Energy Conservation Program, 917 East Main Street, provides home energy conservation services to reduce household energy consumption. Workers must use lead safe work practices. The program provides training for employees through the weatherization program. Call for information. Career Development Services 150 State Street Rochester NY (585) Career Development Services, a non-profit organization, partners with individuals and organizations to help them grow, change and succeed. Career Development Services provides assessments, coaching and counseling for individuals. Services are also provided for individuals and organizations in maximizing employee and workplace effectiveness, in career coaching, re-careering and job search strategies. A comprehensive Career Information Library houses a wide variety of materials to assist clients in becoming knowledgeable about workforce trends, career change, and formulating a creative job search. There is a fee for service. CONEA (Coalition of North East Associations) 471 Hudson Avenue Rochester NY (585)

29 Coalition of North East Associations (CONEA) is committed to issues of housing, crime prevention, community and economic development, and youth leadership development of the citizens of the Upper Falls Community in Rochester. CONEA's motto is Creating Unity Throughout the Community. CONEA services and programs include: affordable housing rehab, new construction, infrastructure & subsidy maintenance, crime prevention/policing, youth leadership development, community organizing, among others. CONEA assists individuals seeking funding for training in all aspects of lead safety and prevention. Any person who lives in the Upper Falls neighborhood may have the opportunity to have their training paid by CONEA under the Special Material Grants Program or the Residential Assistance Grants Program. The Housing Council 183 East Main Street Suite 1100 Rochester, NY (585) The Housing Council offers various courses in lead safe work practices to the general public and to landlords, tenants, homeowners, contractors and their employees. For more information call The Housing Council. Lead Connections 1250 Scottsville Road Rochester NY (888) Lead Connections is a partnership of private, public, local and national organizations dedicated to promoting lead safe housing in Western New York. 28

30 Lead Connections provides information, training and hazard control materials at no charge to property owners. Lead Safe Work Practices training is open to the public and offered on an ongoing basis. Risk assessments, hazard control supplies and clearance examinations are provided to eligible participants. Lead Connections also sponsors and participates in a variety of community events designed to promote lead poisoning prevention. Monroe County Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Room Westfall Road P.O. Box Rochester NY (585) (click on Public Health link) NeighborWorks 570 South Avenue Rochester NY (585) NHS provides lead paint inspections for city homeowners and may have funding for lead paint repairs. They also provide training in lead hazard control measures for existing staff. 29

31 RochesterWorks! 255 North Goodman Street Rochester NY, (585) Waring Road Rochester NY, (585) Buffalo Road Gates NY, (585) RochesterWorks!, part of the Workforce New York network, is dedicated to helping Monroe County develop a strong workforce. RochesterWorks! helps job seekers find jobs, move to higher paying jobs or get training to improve skills. RochesterWorks! also assists business with recruitment, assessment, placement and training, and connects them to all federally funded employment and training programs in Monroe County. In partnership with the Department of Labor, RochesterWorks! offers its services at three convenient locations. Rochester Fatherhood Resource Initiative 775 South Plymouth Avenue Rochester NY (585) RFRI is an organization that seeks to improve the community and family life by enabling fathers. Through its BEEAMS (Building Economic Empowerment, Achieving, Maintaining Stability) project, RFRI trains and hires city residents for lead evaluation, interim controls and abatement. RFRI will help homeowners and landlords access funds for lead hazard control work. 30

32 NATIONAL RESOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Environmental Protection Agency Provides much information about lead, lead hazards, EPA training, certification and accreditation programs. National Lead Information Center 422 South Clinton Avenue Rochester, NY lead (5323) The NLIC provides the general public and professionals with information about lead hazards and their prevention. NLIC is operated by the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) in Rochester under a contract with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Call the NLIC to receive a general information packet, to order other documents, or for detailed information or questions. Documents can also be ordered electronically and by mail. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control 31

33 HOW TO FIND EMPLOYMENT Once you have decided to pursue a job in lead hazard control and have taken the necessary training here are some tips to finding employment. It will be helpful to write a resume describing your job objective and work and educational history. The public library has excellent books on writing resumes and there are many online sites that give advice. There are career counselors at RochesterWorks! and the Department of Labor that can be of help. You can also receive help there with writing cover letters and with interviewing and job search skills. Additional career services and information are available from Career Development Services (fee for service). There are many different ways to find work: If you took a training course in lead hazard evaluation or control, the person or organization that conducted the training or referred you to training may have knowledge of employers who hire people in the field; they may even receive job listings from these employers. Networking (talking to other people to gather information) is one of the most productive ways to find work. Talk to people you know who are working in lead hazard control; ask them if they know employers who are hiring or if they can refer you to someone who might know. Check the classified ads in the newspaper and respond with a resume and cover letter. 32

34 There are several online resources for finding work: Click on "jobs" under the Marketplace heading. Web site for the New York State Department of Labor. Research companies that hire people in your field and send a resume and cover letter to the company. Information on companies can be found on the Internet, in the library, at RochesterWorks! and the Department of Labor. Some companies that do lead hazard control work are listed in the Yellow Pages under the headings "Environmental Consultants," "Lead Removal and Abatement" and "Engineers - Consulting." Sometimes companies post job listings on their web sites. Register with the Department of Labor. Related career opportunities Once you have experience in the field of lead hazard control you can transfer your skills to jobs in other environmental careers dealing with asbestos, mold and hazardous materials. 33

35 COMPARING LEAD EVALUATION PROFESSIONS LEAD SAMPLING TECHNICIAN LEAD PAINT INSPECTOR RISK ASSESSOR Qualified to perform the following types of evaluations Clearance Other dust wipe sampling Paint inspections Clearance Other lead sampling Risk assessments Paint Inspections Clearance Other lead sampling Is not qualified to perform the following types of evaluations Postabatement clearance Certain situations as defined in HUD regulations Risk assessments Training and Certification required to perform evaluations 5 hours of training Certification 3 days of training Certification 5 days of training Skills Visual assessment Dust wipe sampling To give a pass/ fail result July 2000 Lead Sampling Technician Training Course: EPA747-B Visual evaluation Paint chip sampling Paint testing by XRF Lead samplingdust wipe, soil To identify the existence and location of leadbased paint Interview of residents Visual evaluations Dust wipe, soil, paint chip sampling XRF testing To assess a unit, identify lead hazards, and recommend methods for lead hazard reduction

36 CAREER PATHS IN LEAD HAZARD CONTROL LEAD HAZARD EVALUATION INTERIM CONTROLS & ABATEMENT Lead Sampling Technician Lead-Based Paint Inspector Risk Assessor Project Manager Project Designer Specialized Cleaner Lead Abatement Worker Lead Abatement Supervisor/Contractor 35

37 NOTES 36